Essence of Place
Many rewards are realized due to a deferential approach to nature at SJR Vineyard. Mother Nature rules - We adapt!
Given an active, respectful and vigilant approach to winegrowing, we have arrived at the position where we are in service to our terroir: rare benchland located within the Rocks District, at the southwestern corner of the appellation, and at the toe of the VanSycle Ridge. Delmas is the ultimate beneficiary; where this singularly distinctive terroir is respectfully expressed.
Winegrowing Philosophy
We believe that world-class wine is derived from estate vineyards—meticulously and sustainably farmed for plant balance and longevity. For us, this is a family journey. From the start, we have focused on involvement within the larger wine community, upping our game with every growing season and celebrating the work of our Team and peers. Raising all boats!
We believe that terroir is a partnership between the winegrower and place. Delmas produces small lots of estate wines from a single vineyard; showcasing the distinctive qualities of that small patch of ground in The Rocks District.
We are full responsible for the entire process from growing the grapes to selling the wine. Yet, as in control as we think we are, we never know what Mother Nature has in store for us, and embrace each vintage’s eccentricities. We adapt to seasonal variation and strive to achieve balance in the vineyard: consequently, highlighting the character of each vintage.
And, in response to potential extreme winter cold from the north that can result in bud damage and crop loss, as well as the cutting down of trunks and retraining of spur positions, we created a new training form for the Syrah and Grenache; the MHT (mini-head-trained vines). The advantage of this low-single trunk, goblet architecture allows for permanent spur positions, less water use, better air flow and light penetration and well-positioned clusters: consistently ensuring plant health/balance, fruit maturation and flavor development.
Finally, we have employed a management strategy that, at its core, relies on regenerative agriculture, boots-in-the-rows and timely execution; resulting in a balanced and respectful expression of SJR Vineyard.
SJR Vineyard
Importantly, our first investment was the vineyard. Given the financial commitment and time it takes to properly mature a vineyard, it is not common practice in the Northwest today to invest in an estate vineyard. However, site is paramount and fundamental to controlling wine quality.
Established in 2007, SJR Vineyard is situated in The Rocks District AVA on 13 acres within the Walla Walla Valley. We are committed to making single-vineyard, estate-controlled wines utilizing sustainable farming practices. We are obsessive about exploring balanced soil conditions and keeping in-tune with weather patterns to mature wine grapes that fully express their terroir and vintage. Our viticulture discipline addresses each block and variety independently – assessing appropriate training form, trellis structure, pruning rigor, nutrient and irrigation strategy. We know that truly great wine quality is based on careful attention to these details.
Milestones
2024 represents the 18th leaf of SJR Vineyard. Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and The Peddler (magnum only) make up our current offerings. The B | D | R red blend will debut in Fall of 2024; launching a new program for the Estate. In this regard, we have initiated a replanting plan for 1.5 acres in 2024-25: with new clones of Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Viognier; and two new varieties for the estate - Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc - both of which are slated for the B | D | R white blend. All new plantings will be on various rootstock.
The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater
The Rocks District is the only AVA in the U.S. whose boundaries (96%) are dictated by a single soil series (Freewater Series) and a single land form (alluvial fan). TTB approval of this 5.9 square mile (3,767 acre) AVA within Walla Walla Valley was granted in 2015. SJR Vineyard resides at the Southwest corner of this Oregon AVA. The Rocks District is receiving international recognition for its wines, particularly Syrah. There is no denying the distinctive character of these wines. The Rocks District advantages of water availability, excellent drainage and favorable climate provide the basis for global distinction. Rocks District wine grapes from small, meticulously farmed, vineyard parcels have made their presence felt across the globe over the last couple of decades. Importantly, diversity prevails within The Rocks District, and provides a framework for charting future vineyard development—where hands-on work, close proximity to the land and a discernable independent spirit represent a unique winegrowing culture opportunity.